--Morgan Hill, CA. What an awesome event for Operation Freedom Paws --“Four Paws, Two Feet, One Team”! Experienced bowlers and those new to our sport came out to support the inaugural bowling event at Morgan Hill Bowl in Morgan Hill, CA on Sat., October 27 and to support the California Bowling Writers new charity. There was a total of 70 bowlers--42 in the USBC certified Tournament and 28 in the Just for Fun event. The event raised over $3200 in donations for OFP, supported by an opportunity raffle and brackets. Congratulations to the tournament first place finishers: Linda Doss (Women’s) and Al Whipper (Men’s).

The participation of staff, clients and service dogs from Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) was amazing. All clients were eager to have us meet their service buddies, showing us how to communicate with the dogs. There were also some “working dogs” that were not to be touched.

Mary Cortani, a Veteran, bowler and founding Executive Director of Operation Freedom Paws was at the event and took part in helping run the event. She is uniquely qualified to evaluate and match dogs with veterans who need them as she was a dog trainer for military operations including reach and rescue.

Dennis McLaughlin, and his great dane service dog, Abbey, were available to help at the tournament to greet the bowlers at the raffle table. Dennis, a decorated Vietnam Veteran, understands all too well the many issues veterans face when coming home from combat, and how training a dog to perform specific tasks can help. “They” now also serve on the OFP Board. Mary said that if Dennis didn’t have OFP and his Abbey, he would not be here!

Donna Morales/CUSBC Hall of Famer, of San Jose, was the tournament manager. As a CBW member, it was her suggestion last June that brought on our enthusiasm for this charity for our Veterans. Thanks also goes to the Santa Clara County USBC for their support and helping with the event. Note: For even more information on this event, check out the Phantom radio show Nov. 7-13 when Donna will be the special guest (www.kegel.net/phantom).

We, the California Bowling Writers, thank Len Nicholson for donating (6) of his new book, “My Personal Memories of the PBA Hall of Famers,” for the raffle. They were a “hot” item by those that know Len and his humor with the bowling pros. Big prizes were a “Sharks” Gift basket, a bowling ball from the Morgan Hill Pro Shop, and (4) tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We look forward to again hosting this tournament in 2019! The California Bowling Writers 2018 Charity Drive for OFP is still underway. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, you have until Dec. 31, 2018, to do so. Please go to www.calbowlingwriters.org for our flyer and more information.

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